Voters' Guide: Ohio House -- District 19

Republicans have their sights set on the 19 {+t} {+h} Ohio House District, where a first-term Democrat will try to fend off a challenge from a Westerville councilwoman.

Republicans have their sights set on the 19 {+t}{+h} Ohio House District, where a first-term Democrat will try to fend off a challenge from a Westerville councilwoman.

Rep. Marian Harris, D-Columbus, was a surprise legislative winner in 2008, in a district that includes Westerville and the eastern strip of Franklin County that had long been in GOP control. Her primary challenge is from Republican Anne Gonzales of Westerville, a former paralegal who has served on Westerville council for nine years.

Also running is Libertarian Michael Johnston.

The winner will be forced to deal with a potential $8billion shortfall in the next two-year budget.

"We must take a balanced approach," Harris said. "On the revenue side, looking at closing tax loopholes and collecting outstanding tax debt are among the options. On the spending side, we must consider sentencing reform ... and should also look at consolidating Medicaid into one agency."

Gonzales has signed a no-tax-increase pledge. "During this next budget cycle it is important that we examine every area in the state budget in order to control spending and encourage efficiency. This would also include looking at performance reviews."

Harris has introduced 11 bills this session, including those that would apply energy-efficiency standards in state building projects and encourage the use of Ohio-produced products, prohibit certain sex offenders from coming onto school grounds, and limit what legal expenses water companies can collect from customers.

Both she and Gonzales said they would not cut education funding. "Republicans who had control of the legislature in the past did little to address school funding," Gonzales said. "As a mother of three school-aged children, I am disappointed that solutions to address school funding have not been accomplished."

Both also want to do more to create jobs. Harris said the state needs to revisit business taxes, continue regulatory reform and forge "the public-private partnerships that have been so effective."

Gonzales said Ohio should create a friendlier business climate through tax credits, job training and "a streamlined tax structure and reassessed regulatory system."